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STRATEGY DOCUMENT ON

DOUBLING FARMERS

INCOME BY 2022 IN

KASHMIR DIVISION

DIRECTORATE OF AGRICULTURE

KASHMIR

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DOUBLING THE FARMERS INCOME IN J&K STATE BY 2022 –Strategy thereof; No matter production/productivity could be enhanced by

adopting programmed methodology, unless it reaches to a market

in the form of a brand with assured higher price for the farmer, till

then one can only speculate but dream of doubling farmers income

cannot be realized. Therefore there is a need strategize the model

of enhanced production coupled with establishing better

marketing channel for enhanced economic gains for the farmers.

So right pricing for the farm produce is to be ensured by devising

the strategy. Therefore J&K State in this direction has devised the

strategy for highlighting the focus areas for such endeavour.

Agriculture plays a predominant role in the development of

economy of J&K. Around 73% of the population of the State resides

in the rural areas and is directly or indirectly dependent upon this

sector for their livelihood and employability. Despite its importance

for ensuring inclusive growth and providing Food security, the

contribution of Agriculture towards Gross State Domestic Product

(GSDP), is gradually decreasing. The decline in growth rate is

attributed to low productivity, lack of adequate agricultural

research extension, low seed replacement rate, yield stagnation,

lack of adequate irrigation facility.

The Kashmir valley, however, is just one small part of the

state. The valley is an ancient lake basin 140 km long and 32 km.

wide. The average elevation of the Valley is 5,300 feet above sea

level. Because of its altitude and the tall mountains rising up to

16,000 feet that surround the Valley, the weather here is pleasant

for most of the year. Its rich alluvial soil, well drained by rivers and

streams yield rice, saffron, vegetables.

Kashmir Division of Jammu and Kashmir State has a varied

climate ranging from temperate regions of Valley to Cold arid

Regions of Kargil and Leh. The total geographical area of Kashmir

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Division is 1.21 lac Sq. Kms out of which the net cultivable area in

the Division is 3.11 lac hectares with gross area sown being 4.51

lac hectares. Like other parts of the country 70% of the population

reside in rural areas with agriculture as their main stay. Majority

of the Farm operating families are small and marginal ones. By

virtue of varied climatic conditions nature has bestowed the valley

with great potential for diversified agriculture farming. Paddy,

Maize, Vegetables and Pulses are the major crops grown during

Kharif Season while Oilseed, Pulses and some leafy vegetables,

wheat and fodder are also grown during Rabi season. The

agriculture production in Kashmir Division has increased

substantially during past several years with a cropping intensity

of 132%. The advent of HYV /hybrid seeds, improved package of

practice, mechanization and advanced technology has changed the

agriculture crop scenario altogether ,which resulted in substantial

increase in productivity as well as the production of all sown crops.

In respect of Paddy, Vegetables, Saffron, the production has been

recorded more than double during last two decades which

transformed the socio economic conditions of the farmers. The

statistical data with reference to Agriculture is as:

Geographical Area Kashmir Division 1.01 Lac Km2

Total Area as per Village Papers (Kashmir Division) 621203 Hectares

Population (P) 7906349(P)

Net sown area(Agriculture) 3.09 Lac Hectares

Irrigated 1.90 lac Hectares

Un-irrigated 1.18 lac Hectares

No. of operational holdings (F.O.F’s) 6.28 lacs

ii) Ladakh Region 1.08 Hectares

iii) Kashmir + Ladakh Region 0.53 Hectares

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Climate

Kashmir has different weather conditions at different places

because of the lofty mountains like the Pirpanjal, the Zanskar and

the Karakoram that touches four checks with clouds while

entering the valleys. In summers, the outer plains and the outer

hills receive rainfall from monsoon winds while in winters, winds

from the Mediterranean brings the cheerful snowfall in the Valley

of Kashmir. The moisture-laden winds cause rainfall in the forests

on the hills making the temperature to fall in summer; hence, the

thickly wooded areas such as Pahalgam and Gulmarg have milder

weather conditions than that of Srinagar or Sopore. Similarly, the

climate of the valley of Kashmir is comparatively milder than that

of the Outer Plains as it is on higher altitude.

Kashmir’s climate is largely regulated by the Himalayas,

surrounding mountains and the water bodies. It has four clearly

demarcated seasons with distinct features. The temperature in

winters may go down to -150 C in the hilly areas, while as the plains

temperature ranges from -0 to -80 C . The temperature during

spring and summer ranges between 200 C to 320 C in the valley

region. Winters last from November to March. Spring begins after

15th of March and there is heavy rainfall during the season.

Landslides often take place during this season. Humidity in the

monsoon season stretching over July and August is as high as 70%

The seasons are marked with sudden change and a year can be

roughly divided into six seasons of two months each:

S.No Season Period

1 Spring From March 15 to May 15

2 Summer From May 15 to July 15

3 Rainy Season From July 15 to Sept. 15

4 Autumn From Sept. 15 to Nov. 15

5 Winter From Nov. 15 to 20 Dec

6 Ice Cold From Dec. 21 to March 15

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Area Under Different Crops In Kashmir Division

Paddy141.34

53%Maize80.7430%

Vegetables21.79

8%

Pulses19.88

8%Saffron

3.67 1%

AREA UNDER DIFF. CROPS IN KASHMIR DURING KHARIF

Oilseed

81.1159%

Fodder

29.3721%

Pulses

11.568%

Vegetables

11.148%

Wheat

4.664%

Area under Diff. Crops during Rabi in Kashmir (000 Ha.)

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Natural Resources :

a) Minerals : Kashmir is rich in natural resources though in

most of the minerals, the volume of these is not big enough.

Various minerals found in the valley are described as follows:

1. Lignite. It is an inferior quality of coal which is found in the

valley of Kashmir at Nichahama, Baramulla, Handwara,

Chowkibal, Ferozepur nullah, Nagbal, Tangmarg, Raithan,

Badgam tehsil, Laligang and Lolab valley. Lignite is a black brown

coal that is intermediate in coalification between peat and sub-

bituminous coal which has a calorific value less than 8300BTU/lb,

on a moist mineral free basis. According to the report of the

Geological Survey of India, there are lignite coal deposits of about

5 crore 60 lakh tons in the valley. Drilling operations were started

first in the Nicahhom- Chowkibal area where the reserves were

estimated at 4. 5 million tons to a depth of 40 metres. Lignite is

used as a fuel in the valley of Kashmir.

2. Limestone. All the three regions of the State i.e. Jammu,

Kashmir and Ladakh have deposits of different ages and grades of

Limestone. The Limestone of Kashmir is of high quality and is used

in the manufacture of cement at Wuyan and Khrew. These deposits

exist in Anantnag, Achhabal, Doru, Verinag, Biru, Sonamarg, Ajas,

Wuyau, Khrew and Loduv. It is also used as building stone and

mortar.

3. Copper ores are found at Aishmuqam, Shubbar area

(Anantnag), Lashtil hill spurs (Baramulla), Handwara, Sumbal,

Kangan andLolab valley in the province of Kashmir.

4. Iron-ore deposits occur in Sharda (Karnah tehsil), Khrewa,

Haral (Handwara), Uri tehsil, Garez (Sopore tehsil) and Lolab valley

in Kashmir.

5. Gypsum. It is used for making plaster of paris and chalksticks.

The Kashmir province has gypsum deposits at Lachhipora,

Baramulla, Anantnag, Liddipora and Kathia Nullah (Uri). There is

total reserve of about 4 million tons of gypsum in the State.

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6. Ochre. It is used in paints and varnishes etc. There are

extensive deposits of ochre in Nur Khawn, Ratasar and Jhaggi in

the Uri tehsil. About 4 lak tons of ochre have been found in the

State so far.

7. Zinc and Nickelarfound at Buniyar (Baramulla).

8. Fuller's Earth is used in the manufacture of country soap and

for filling paper. It is found in Rampur near Baramulla

9. Slate Stone is found in abundance in the valley of Kashmir.

10. Graphite is used in the manufacture of lead pencils and is

found in Bararipora, Uri, Karnah, Malogam, Piran in the province

of Kashmir

11. Sulphur is found in Pagga valley in Ladakh. In spring water, it

is found at Anantnag and Khrewa. The estimated deposits of

sulphur in the State are 2,00,000 tons.

12. Marble. Large deposits of marble have been found at

Drugmalla, Zirahama, Oura and Trehgam in Kupwara district of

Kashmir. This is light brown to dirty grey in colour. This is being

used commonly in buildings these days.

b) Water resources

Water resources are sources of water that are potentially

useful for hydroelectricity, agricultural, industrial, household,

recreational and environmental activities. The Jhelum and Sindh

rivers are flowing through Kashmir. In addition to it ample water

resources are present here besides lakes, rivers, glaciers and

groundwater are also present in huge quantity. Renewable power

generation can help countries meet their sustainable development

goals through provision of access to clean, secure, reliable and

affordable energy. Therefore, these rivers offer a great scope for

generating hydro-electricity to the tune of 25000 MW as low and

competitive source of renewable electricity.

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Irrigation:

Water is one of the important and critical inputs necessary

for plant growth. In Kashmir 62% of the total Net sown area is

irrigated while as the rest 38% is rain fed. The main sources of

irrigation is Canal Irrigation where as a very small area is irrigated

through wells etc. Ladakh region is not conducive for raising of

crops unless irrigated. Farmers of the area have dug irrigation

channels known as Mayur to irrigate their fields.

Land Use Pattern :

Important cropping systems followed in Kashmir are:

Agro

Climatic

Zone

Districts

Cropping system

Mid to High

Altitude

Temperate

Zone

Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora,

Baramulla, Kupwara, Srinagar,

Ganderbal, Kulgam, Pulwama,

Shopian,

Paddy –Oilseed

Paddy-Oats

Maize-Wheat

Cold Arid

Zone

Leh, Kargil Wheat

Millets

The following Centrally Sponsored schemes are in vogue in

the state in agriculture sector:

1. National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

2. National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology

(NMAET)

3. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

4. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

5. National e-Governance Plan –Agriculture [NeGP-A]

Schemes under CAPEX:

6. Project on Apiculture Cluster at District Kupwara

7. Project on Virus Free Potato Seed Village

8. Organic Farming

9. Project on Intensive Veg. Cultivation

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Strategy for Doubling Farmer’s Income by 2022:

1. Market Driven Agriculture Policy : Agriculture policy solicits

flexibility in view of the changing market trends and thus needs to

be market driven as per the changing demand and supply of

various agri. commodities in the market. One of the biggest buzz

phrases we hear today is that the world is getting smaller as it

represents a global village. This one coupled with the WTO

regulations, gets us thinking about how we devise our agriculture

policy albeit Production and productivity are twin objectives. Thus

Transforming Agriculture into Entrepreneurship by Participating

effectively in the highly competitive global agricultural markets by

resorting to exploration of potentiality associated specific area , the

ever changing dynamics of different agricultural commodities and

changing land demography due to Conversion of prime agriculture

land for non-agricultural purposes will remain a concerning

principle in drafting an agriculture policy for the state of Jammu

and Kashmir. Furthermore Limited scope of bringing more land

under cultivation and making the farming remunerative underline

the challenges in agri. policy formulation and principle of Less

land, less time and more production with sustainability should

serve as cornerstone for future planning. New policy drafted

should provide opportunities to make farmers competitive in

domestic as well as international markets and should be able to

get benefits due to economic liberalization and globalization. In

this backdrop thrust areas based on these perceptions need their

space in drafting a new agriculture policy. Sustenance of

agriculture as viable activity will be possible only if there is a

paradigm shift from the present food- security based agriculture

to high-value crop and value-added agriculture, albeit, consistent

with the requirements of preserving the ecology and environment

of the State. In the formulation of agriculture policy for the State it

will be the one of the most important focus and all the strategies

conceived or to be conceived for the agriculture and allied sectors

should synergize in this direction.

The policy approach in agriculture so far has been to secure

an increase in production mainly through subsidies on inputs

such as irrigation, water, power, fertilizers, seeds and pesticides

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rather than building new capital assets in irrigation, power and

rural infrastructure. It is necessary to evolve a new approach

towards agriculture development based on careful assessment of

current constraints and available resources and options.

The National Policy on Agriculture envisages a growth-rate in

excess of 4% per annum in the Agriculture Sector. Keeping in view

untapped potential of Agriculture and allied sectors in the State,

the State policy on Agriculture seeks to achieve a significantly

higher growth rate for this sector. The growth of the agricultural

sector requires that the State addresses the challenge of efficient

and optimal utilization of existing resources in order to further

improve its competitiveness. Resource constraints and rapid

changes in the global trading and investment environment

necessitate the development of a resilient agricultural sector and

the enhancement of its global competitiveness. In addition, the

concern over the availability and stability of food supply requires

farmers to strengthen their competitive capabilities in food

production. These challenges require new strategic approaches

and policy thrusts to enhance the economic conditions and growth

of the agricultural sector.

Agriculture policy should focus on new approaches to

increase productivity and competitiveness, venture into new areas

as well as conserve and utilize natural resources on a sustainable

basis. Policy should aim to set in place the enabling and supportive

measures as well as conducive atmosphere to promote growth in

agriculture sector .The policies and strategies will continue to

emphasize productivity and market driven growth.

Objectives

The overriding objective of New Agri. Policy should be

maximization of income through the optimal utilization of

resources in the sector, maximizing agriculture's income and

export earnings as well as maximizing income of producers.

Specifically, the objectives of the Policy should be :

i to increase productivity and competitiveness of the sector

ii to link the Agriculture with the Market

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iii to make the farming more remunerative

iv to create new sources of growth for the sector

v to conserve and utilize natural resources on a sustainable

basis.

vi to Zonalize Agriculture as per the suitability and adaptability of

different crops under varied Agro Climatic conditions.

2.Enhancing Production and Productivity: Production and

productivity is a determining factor for changing the socio

economic condition of the farmers and lack of access to the quality

seed due to higher cost will have a catastrophic effect on the

economy of the farmers coupled with substantial decrease in food

production. Therefore it can be registered by way of :

2.1 Production & Procurement of Hybrid Seeds: Healthy,

good quality seeds are the root of a healthy crop. Hence the

selection of seeds is crucial. Presently, use of hybrid seeds

are intensively prevalent and are widely regarded as having

played a determinant-ale role in augmenting the

agricultural output during the latter half of 20th century

and thereby has contributed significantly to the food

security measures. Kashmir has a distinction and a clear

advantage over other regions of India in respect of

Vegetable Cultivation due to climatic factors and

replacement of ordinary seeds by HYV is bound to increase

the production by 20-30%,but use of hybrids will register

an increase of 100-200% yields for economic gains of

farmers.

2.2 Integrated Management of Land and Water Resources:

Soil and water are two crucial inputs for plant growth and

as such are directly related to increasing Production and

productivity of Crops. With the passage of time exhaustion

of the land and the ill effects of fertilizers have started to

be felt and the slogan of increasing production and

productivity has been augmented with Sustainable

Agriculture. Organic Farming is an ecological production

management system that promotes and enhances

biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It

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is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on

management practices that restore, maintain and enhance

ecological harmony. Therefore, stewardship of both

natural and human resources is of prime importance.

Department of Agriculture towards this direction has

established Organic Clusters in each district, first organic

crop of which is likely to hit the market in next year.

2.3 Creation of Irrigation Facilities: About 38 % of the net

sown area in Kashmir is Unirrigated and reduction in yield

due to this factor is to the extent of 20%.

2.4 Increasing Seed Replacement Rate: Seed is a basic

critical input of Agriculture and like other living things; it

is also subjected to ageing and as such loses its ability to

yield to its potential. As such, seed replacement of different

crops becomes inevitable. Accordingly, Seed Replacement

Rate (SRR) of 33% in case of self-pollinated crops and 50%

in case of cross pollinated crops has been fixed as per Seed

Act, 1966. The process of producing quality seed is being

taken up at departmental seed multiplication farms,

however, owing to huge seed requirements department of

agriculture engages itself to procure quality seed from

different sources for use by poor farmers of Kashmir

province.

2.5 Site Specific Cropping: Special Agricultural Zones based

on climate/ physiographic factors and niches will be

established. Department of Agriculture in consultation

with other departments and SAUs/ICAR Institutes shall

develop agricultural zone map of the state and identify

niche crops/commodities to be promoted (with increased

focus) in that zone, with emphasis on cash

crops/commodities.

2.6 Preventing Losses to the Crops: Pests and diseases can

affect crops and have a serious impact on the economic

output of a farm. An estimated 15-25 percent of potential

crop production is lost due this menace. Need of the hour is

to adopt a holistic approach to be implemented in a very

systematic manner to reduce these losses.

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Requirement of Seed as per SRR and Seed Villages required to be laid to meet the requirement in respect of Kashmir Division

S. No. Particulars Rice Maize Pulses Fodder Oilseed Wheat Potato Peas

1 Area(000Ha.) 141.34 80.74 31.44 29.51 81.11 4.66 2.08 8

2 Seed Rate (Kgs/Ha.) 60 30 50 100 10 100 2000 60

3

Total Seed

Req.(Qtls.) 84804 24222 15720 29510 8111 4660 41600 4800

A sum of Rs : 71.40 Crores will be required to accomplish the

task of achieving the desired SRR of 33% in case of self-pollinated

crops like Paddy, Oats, wheat etc. and 50% in case of Cross

pollinated crops like Oilseed, Maize etc. & 100% in case of

hybrids. HYV developed by SKUAST-K which are to find their

place in the replacement in case of Paddy are: Shalimar Rice(Diff

Varieties)and in case of Maize are SMC-4, SMC-7 along with

hybrids like KH-101, KH-517, B-59, B-52 etc. Regarding

Vegetables focus will be on replacement of traditional varieties

with Hybrids and as such would require to be replaced every year. Regarding the requirement of Breeder and Foundation

seed to meet the aforementioned requirements of certified class of

seed, the same has been calculated and will be catered to by the

SKUAST-K., details of which are as hereunder:

S.

No

Crop

Variety

Req. of

foundation

seed(Qtls.)

Req. of Breeder

seed(Qtls.)

Shalimar Rice-2

628.00

13.95

Shalimar Rice-3

Shalimar Rice-4

Shalimar Rice-5

K-332

02.

Maize

Shalimar Maize Conposite-3

263.00

5.72 Shalimar Maize Composite-4

Shalimar Maize Composite-5

Shalimar Maize Composite-6

Shalimar Maize Composite-7

C-6

KG-II

03.

Pulses

Shalimar Moong-1

69.56

3.65 Shalimar Moong-2

Shalimar Rajmash-1

Shalimar Cow pea-1

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Shalimar Rajmash-2

Shalimar Soyabean-1

04 Wheat Shalimar Wheat-1 279 23.29

Shalimar Wheat-2

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Oats

Subzar

983

44.00 Shalimar Fodder Oats-1

Shalimar Fodder Oats-4

Shalimar Fodder Oats-2

Shalimar Fodder Oats-3

06

Oilseed

KS-101

81

1.60 Shalimar Brown season-1

Shalimar Brown season-2

Shalimar Brown season-3

07

Pulses

Shalimar Masoor-1

39.83

2.09 Shalimar Masoor-2

Shalimar Peas-1

Shalimar Masoor-3

Shalimar Chick pea-1

Impactful Gains Due to the Strategy :

S.No Activity

1. Enhancing Production and Productivity :

Through Production & Procurement of HYV/Hybrid Seeds, Integrated

Management of Land and Water Resources, Increasing Seed Replacement

Rate , Preventing Losses to the Crops etc.

Paddy Cultivation ;

a) Net Returns due to Traditional ,Low Yielding Varieties

@ 40-50 Qtls/Ha. @ Rs 1300/Qtl.= Rs :13523.00

b) Net Returns due to High Yielding Varieties

@ 60-80 Qtls/Ha. @ Rs 1300/Qtl.= Rs :17047.00

Maize Cultivation ;

c) Net Returns due to Traditional ,Low Yielding Varieties

@ 10-12 Qtls/Ha. @ Rs 1600/Qtl.= Rs : 16000.00

d) Net Returns due to High Yielding Varieties

@ 25-30 Qtls/Ha. @ Rs 1600/Qtl.= Rs :26500.00

Additionally there would be an income of Rs 60000 .00/Ha.on

account of Green Fodder

Vegetable Cultivation ;

a) Net Returns due to Traditional ,Low Yielding Varieties

@ 80-100 Qtls/Ha. @ Rs 1000/Qtl.= Rs :65000.00

b) Net Returns due to Hybrids

@ 250-300 Qtls/Ha. @ Rs 1000/Qtl.= Rs :195000.00

Average Gain to Farmer having 0.35 Ha. Land Holding due to this

Intervention = Rs 19544.00

The average yields recorded in absence of HYV in Paddy in

Kashmir Division have been 67 Qtls./ha with cost of cultivation

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recorded at Rs.63523.00 per hectare ,thus no substantial net

gains for framers if the produce is sold @ Rs.1300/Qtl. As against

this by use of HYV like SR-2, SR-3,SR-4 yields as high as 80-90

Qtls./ha. have been recorded and as such there would be a net

gain of Rs :40477.00/ha.

In case of Maize the Cost of cultivation/ha. Comes to

Rs.24500.00. The yields recorded per hectare are 30 Qtls./Ha,

thus a farmers would normally get Rs : 76000 /ha. (Including cost

of fodder)Contrary to this the yields as obtained in field due to use

of Hybrids /HYV have been 45-50 Qtls./hectare. Thus replacement

of old traditional varieties with new one would yield Rs1.08

Lacs/hectare.

The gains in Vegetables due to use of hybrids have been

spectacular as yields as high as 330 Qtls./Ha. have been recorded

thus a trifold increase to the tune of Rs:6.5 Lacs per hectare.

3.Exploration of Markets through Formation of FIG & FPO,s.

In order to improve access to market and to strengthen the

position of small and marginal farmers, it is important to federate

farmers so that they can easily bargain for better prices, both while

buying inputs and selling their produce. This is the point where

the concept of establishing crop specific “Farmers’ Producer

Organizations” The term “Crop Specific” is of much importance

here, as this would help in aggregation of crop specific input

procurement and output sourcing and ensure future sustainability

of such organizations. This approach demonstrates the potential

to be more successful in breaking farmer’s dependency on

intermediaries, and enabling them better access to technology,

finance, markets and Govt. schemes. Various steps involved in

formation of FIG’s and FPO’s will be:

a. Aggregating the farmers to convince them for bringing them

on one platform and inform them about the concept and

scheme of FPO and how it is beneficial for them. For that, at

the village level, opinion leaders/ Contact Farmers (CF)/

Progressive Farmers will be identified as entry point for

organizing farmer meeting and mobilizing the producers and

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make them understand how they can get benefited through

FPO formation in their area.

b. In the 2ndstep, from the village level meetings, farmers who

finally will be interested to join the program in well-

structured groups of 15-20 farmers. Care will be taken that

the interested members are mostly small and marginal

farmers and farmers of same locality/lane/village are

grouped to form the FIGs and approx. 10-20 FIGs will be

formed in each block. All the FIGs will be given a name as per

the name selected by the FIG members. Once the FIGs

formed, a large meeting will be called in which opinion

leaders/ Contact Farmers (CF)/Progressive Farmers from

each FIGs will be invited and trained on the procedure for

FPO formation, its vision, mission, management and

governance, and business planning for the FPO. All other

legal formalities related to company registration viz- legal

document collection, account opening, PAN card, CA

finalization, verification, digital signature, etc. will be

completed. The management process through which goods

and services move from concept to the customer has four

elements called the 4 P's of marketing:

(1) Identification, selection and development of a product,

(2) Determination of its price,

(3) Selection of a distribution channel to reach the customer's

place, and

(4) Development and implementation of a promotional plan

S.No Activity

2. Exploration of Markets through Formation of FIG & FPO,s:

On an average due to sale of the agri. produce through

Intermediaries and improper Market Linkage, farmer loses about

20% of the Margin that he would otherwise get due to direct sale of

his produce in well-established Mandis .

Average Gain to Farmer having 0.35 Ha. Land Holding due to this

Intervention = Rs 3600.00

The loss due to the sale of Agriculture produce through

intermediaries accounts for about 40-60% of the sale rate that a

farmer would otherwise get had the sales been effected directly by

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the farmer in the designated Mandis. One FPO for Cereal crops will

be formed in each of the 171 Blocks and will require a budgetary

provision of Rs 34.20 Crores @ Rs 20 Lacs/FPO. Furthermore by

way of FPO formation, job opportunities for 5-6 educated youth

per FPO will be created besides entrepreneurship development.

4. Shift of Approach from Commodity Based to Product Based Approach and from Food Security to Value Addition Mode: The continuing trend in selling vegetables is adding value. It is recognized that Kashmir can capitalize on its rich natural resources and man power to augment surplus vegetable production which could be translated into value added products, higher returns and employment generation. By proper handling and value addition J&K can be a dominant player at national level. Kashmir has immense prospect for exporting vegetables to the world market as it has the potential to produce high quality exportable vegetable however lack of value addition industries can be a constraint. However poor market linkages and poor access to the national markets due to its positioning on the globe are some of the constraints which need to be overcome to move in this direction. Value Addition in respect of the Quality Maize, Potatoes and Vegetables produced in the state are much required interventions to give a boost to the Agriculture sector in the state and for providing job opportunities to the youth of the state.

Globally, Value addition of food products is expected to

increase from 8 per cent to 35 per cent by 2025. Fresh Fruit &

vegetable processing is also expected to increase from the current

level of 2 per cent to 25 per cent of total production by 2025. There

is a large gap between farmers and retail prices .So, to be relevant

at National and International level, much is to be done in the field

of Value addition. Simultaneously, the traditional retailing of

vegetables is not very much organized, amounts to 97% of the total

market, is extremely localized and highly fragmented with large

number of intermediaries. Post-harvest value addition includes

primary, secondary, and tertiary processing, operations performed

on farm produce. Key Strategies for Adding Value would include:

• Changing physical state of products

• Producing enhanced value products

• Differentiating products

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• Bundling products

• Producing more products that improve efficiency up the supply chain

• Owning assets up the supply chain

Some of the Possibilities in Vegetables, Cereals etc is as under:

Name of

vegetable

Season Value addition

1 Pea April-July Dried pea, mixed pickle, bottling and canning,

Ready to eat

2 Spinach April onwards Dried ,Ready to eat,Processed

3 Onion July onwards Dehydration and pickling

4 Garlic July onwards Pickles , paste, Oil

5 Mushroom March-October Dehydration, pickling and canning

6 Tomato July - October Juice, soup, puree, sauce, paste, Ready to eat

7 Brinjal July-October Dehydration,

8 Bottle gourd July- October Dehydrated, Ready to eat

9 Chillies

(Local)

June onwards Powder, Dried for coloring, mixed pickle.

10 Raddish May onwards Pickle and dehydration.

11 Turnip Sept. –Jan. Dried

12 Carrot Round the year Preserve, pickle, Juice, dehydration

13 Potato June Onwards Chips,Fries,Cutlets

14 Maize Sept.onwards Pop Corn, Corn Flakes, sweet corn, Baby Corn

Agriculture Department recognizes the need for linking

farmers to markets under cooperative arrangements as this would

assure a return on farmers’ investments, and the supply of what

the retailer or processor needs. Markets need to be developed to

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absorb the additional output that will come with special emphasis on

value addition through processing of the produce which will lead to

exports and creating entrepreneurs in the Agriculture sector.

S.No Activity

3. Shift Approach from Commodity Based Approach to Product

Based Approach and from Food Security to Value Addition

Mode ,Branding etc.

Average Gain to Farmer having 0.35 Ha. Land Holding due to this

Intervention = Rs :2700.00

Furthermore, the glut of a particular in market usually

results in decline of prices due to perishable nature of agri.

produce especially in absence of any CA store to the extent of an

average 15-25 %.Thus Value Addition would help in arresting this

loss .The measures required to be adapted in this direction are:

An amount of Rs:17.10 Crores @ Rs 10 Lacs/unit for setting

up of mini Value addition and processing units at Block level will

be required in this direction and will be catered to though Mission

for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).The net gain for

the farmer of 0.35 Ha. Land Holding size with an average income

of Rs:2700.00

5. Niche Crop Promotion: Kashmir has a varied type of

topography with different areas having potential for excelling in

different agriculture commodities. Further extensive variability in

soil properties (texture, depth, slope, and aspect) and crop

productivity coupled with concerns about water and soil quality,

and narrow profit margins justify farming based on the needs of

specific areas within a field. Site-specific farming has the potential

to increase efficiency in farm decision-making, improve profit

margins, and reduce environmental pollution. Saffron production

in J&K State has historical background and is the unique state in

India to produce Saffron for commercial purposes.

Kashmir valley is bestowed with High Value Rice Varieties

like Mushkbudgi(Scented Rice),Zag(Red Rice) which if grown as an

organic crop has the capacity to revolutionize our present day

20

Agriculture and transform our traditional farmers into world class

entrepreneurs thereby raising the farm income.

Niche crops and areas identified for the purpose along with

budgetary requirement is given here under :

S.No Name of the Crop Area Identified

1 Paddy--Mushkbudji Sagam (Anantnag)

Khansahib (Budgam)

2 Paddy—Zag (Red Rice) Tangdar/Khurhama

(Kupwara)

Creation of necessary market infrastructure, Processing

units, e-marketing facilities will be developed in the identified

areas for promotion of Niche Crops. Requirement of

machines/equipment’s for each of the area will be as: S.No Component Physical

Financial (Lac)

01 Winnower Motorized 05 2.50

02 Huller (Modernized) 01 4.00

03 Rice Extruder Processing Machine 01 7.00

04 Rice Winnower Machine 04 1.20

05 Vacuum Packing Machine 02 4.00

06 Motorized Trolly 02 4.00

07 Miscellaneous expenses Viz Electric

Transforms, conveyer belts etc.

5.00

08 Market Facilitation Centre with e

Marketing Facility

02 200.00

Total 227.5 lac

A budgetary provision of Rs 3.00 Crores will be required to

accomplish the set goals.

6. Storage Facilities for Agricultural Produce;

Reduction of post-harvest losses is a critical component of

ensuring food security as losses due to inadequate storage

facilities amount up to 20 % losses. Food losses do not merely

reduce food available for human consumption but also cause

negative externalities to society through costs of waste

management, greenhouse gas production, and loss of scarce

resources used in their production. Thus given the significant role

food loss reductions could have toward sustainably contributing

to food security, it is important to have reliable measures of these

losses. These losses are both qualitative and quantitative in a

nature. The qualitative loss can occur due to incidence of insect

21

pest, mites, rodents and birds, or from handling, physical changes

or chemical changes in fat, carbohydrates and protein, and by

contamination of mycotoxins, pesticide residues, insect fragments,

or excreta of rodents and birds and their dead bodies. When this

qualitative deterioration makes food unfit for human consumption

and is rejected, this contributes to food loss. Similarly quantitative

losses occur mostly due to rodents. Thus there is a need for

promoting the adoption of appropriate loss-reducing technologies

to improve crop handling, storage, and processing. Construction

of CA stores of 1000 MTs @ Rs 74.00 Lacs at district level and 500

MTS @ Rs:37.00 will help greatly towards this direction. An

amount of Rs: 137.00 Crores is required for construction of CA

Stores at district level to arrest these losses. Additionally Storage

facility(Go downs) of 1000 MTS /Block for storing nonperishable

items like Paddy, Maize will be created @ Rs:20.00Lacs/unit.

7.Production of virus free potato seed to Foot Hills:

The Kashmir division of J&K state presents ideal climate for

Potato crop husbandry as Potato is essentially cool season crop,

however, genetic potential of the crop has not been explored fully

yet due to non-availability of high yielding disease free quality seed

to majority of farming community and as such, there is wider gap

between demand and supply of potato seed. So, the need of the

hour is to bring more and more suitable area at high altitudes

under seed production programme so as to produce genetically

pure, virus free quality seed in abundance which will be a step in

transforming our economy from food deficit to food surplus one

and will generate employment opportunities to educated

unemployed youth at these seed production centres. Moreover,

labour input which is back bone of Potato crop husbandry is easily

and cheaply available in our region. So, all the ingredients which

are indispensable for successful seed production programme are

there, we just need to tap them right now if we really want to

change our status to self-sustaining economy. Rs 10.00 Crores

(Recurring as well as non-recurring expenditure which would

include R&D and setting up of a Tissue Culture Lab.) will be

required for establishing a virus free potato area of 20 hectares.

22

8. Area Expansion of Potato (Edible)in Plains:

Jammu & Kashmir being a mountainous region therefore

offers potential for producing virus free potato seed tubers which

otherwise could supplement the requirement of breeder/

Foundation Potato seed tubers for national / International

markets . Expansion of the area under Potato would be step

unfolding the potential associated to economic virus free potato

seed tuber production and its expansion to the foot hills in

different districts of Kashmir and as such would be a step towards

doubling farmer’s income. The broad contours of the project will

be:

1. Providing Virus free Seed to the Farmers

2. Providing requisite Machinery

3. Providing of Storage Facilities for proper storage

4. Provision for IPM,INM etc.

The total funds required for covering an area of 1000 Ha.

would be Rs :25.00 Crores.

9. Brand Promotion of Agriculture Produce :

Consumers these days ascribe huge importance to brand

names and thus investment in creating a brand will be a money

spinner for the farmers. A successful marketing is based on the

division of products into groups according to distinct and

discernible levels of quality and will thus give rise to a number of

categories of quality and brand each separately. . Branding, food

processing and investments in supply chain will ensure that the

farm produce gets the right value. By branding, we would be able

to ensure that the producers get higher returns.

The guiding principle is that the highest quality products will

be sold under the brand name while the lower quality goods will

be sold as generic products .The climate of Jammu and Kashmir

being diverse in nature, a good quantity of vegetables of diverse

nature are grown in different regions of the state and can be

marketed as Jammu fresh, Kashmir fresh and Ladakh Fresh.

Branding Process once established could turn out to be a sector

like IT, offering immense scope for jobs in rural areas. Not just

Agriculture, similar potential is seen in horticulture, developing

milk, meat and poultry cold chains.

23

Furthermore many high value products like Mushkbudji ,

Zag etc. unique to Kashmir are produced in good quantities which

need proper branding so that farmers get a good price of their

products without any influence of intermediaries. Logos for these

Niche crops is to be prepared and simultaneously, Branding along

with the process for Geographical indicators for these Niche crops

to be initiated which will require an amount of Rs:50.00 Crores .

10. Assured Irrigation Facilities : In Kashmir valley, it rains

mostly in winter when temperature is too low for plant growth.

When the temperature begins to rise in May and onwards the

rainfall decreases and except some showers of rain in July-August

most of the growing season remains dry. The farm economy has

been dependent on a single crop. Around 60% of the cultivated

land in the valley is canal irrigated (very small area is irrigated with

wells and tanks); 40% area is rain fed.

In Ladakh region, the desolate terrain and scanty rains are

not conducive for the cultivation of crops unless irrigation is

available. In fact, the entire cultivated land of Ladakh is irrigated.

Some of the growers have dug their personal irrigation channels to

irrigate their fields.

In addition, there are several small canals, locally known as

Mayur. These canals (Mayurs) playa vital role in the agricultural

land use of Ladakh. The canal (kuls, i.e. small canals) irrigation is

the most important system of irrigation(more than 94%) in the

state, especially in the outer-plains in Jammu region and in the

broad valley of Kashmir, and hilly terrains of Ladakh. The

remaining about 6 % is irrigated by wells, tanks and other sources.

To accomplish the process of assured irrigation to 1.18 Lac

Hectares of Un Irrigated Area in Kashmir Province the line of action

will be as follows :

1. No. of Production Wells to be established = 1500 having capacity of irrigating 1.5 Ha./day at a cost of Rs 40-45 Lacs /unit with a command area of 20 Ha.

2. No. of Sprinkler/Rain Gun Systems to be established = 1500 at a cost of 1.75-2.00 Lacs/set

3. No. of Irrigation Pump sets to be distributed = 18000 4. No. of Water Harvesting Tanks to be established= 1200

24

S.No Activity

4. From Rainfed to Assured Irrigation through utilization of

Natural Rain & Ground water by way of Deep bore wells,

shallow wells and providing of Irrigation Pump sets to farmers

on 50% subsidy.

Average Gain to Farmer having 0.35 Ha. Land Holding due to this

Intervention = Rs :800-1000

The net impact of assured irrigation to crops at critical stages

of growth will result in increase of productivity to the level of 15-20 % and assuming an average of 1-1.5 Kanals as Unirrigated/farmer and thus an additional income of Rs:800-1000/farmer.

11. Farm Mechanization:

There is now acute shortage of Labour leading to high

employment of immigrant workers in agriculture sectors.

Productivity gains in agriculture have also not matched up to

increases in factor prices. This necessitates measures to reduce

Labour requirement in agriculture and increase Labour

productivity through Labour saving technology, innovations and

more efficient farm management. Mechanization as per topography

of the valley and crop requirements will not only reduce the

drudgery but also reduce cultivation costs enabling farmers for

competitiveness.

Mechanization by way of reduced drudgery leads to increased

savings and better efficiency. Department of Agriculture has been

promoting farm mechanization by providing power tillers , modern

tool kits etc. on subsidized rates to the farmers however the small

holding size has been a limiting factor. The line of action in this

matter will be to provide following machinery to the farmers on

subsidised rates to encourage them to adapt the mechanized way

of agricultural operations.

25

S.No Name of Farm Machinery No,s

1 Tractors 2100

2 Power Tillers 4500

3 Weeders 6000

4 Paddy Trans planters 500

5 Potato Diggers 300

6 Paddy Reapers 15000

7 Paddy Threshers 25000

8 Paddy Millers 171

12.Promotion of High Value/Exotic/Organic Vegetables :

Kashmir has the unique distinction in the country to have a

vegetable production season when it is an off season for rest of

the country ,thus provides an unique opportunity for the farmers

to hike their earnings by stepping into vegetable

cultivation. Cultivation of Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Asparagus,

Lettuce, Red Cabbage offers a unique opportunity for the vegetable

growers of Kashmir to cater to the demands of these vegetable in

European countries vis-à-vis earning huge farm income. Steps

need to be taken to encourage the farmers to go for promotion of

these vegetables. High Value Vegetable cultivation in Kashmir

Division has the capacity to transform into an export oriented

venture and bringing dividends to the vegetable growers.

Furthermore unique production season of Kashmir valley makes it

more advantageous for farmers for taking up the cultivation of

these crops to increase their farm income. Initiatives under this

scheme would include:

• Construction of Collection Centres

• Construction of new market yards

• Process of starting retail markets

• Dissemination of market Information

• Organising farmer’s awareness camps

• Market Linkage & e Marketing

A budgetary provision of Rs:20.00 is required for an area of 100

hectares on this account.

26

13.Vegetable Seed Production Programme :

Kashmir has the ideal climate for Vegetable seed production

and as such the production of vegetable seed production especially

of Cole crops has been a leading enterprise in Kashmir since long.

January is the coldest month when the mean minimum Temp. for

the region as a whole is about -5 ºC, varying from -2ºC in the

average altitudinal areas to -8ºC high altitudinal areas in the

surrounding mountains. While the mean maximum temperature

for the region as a whole is about 5ºC, varying from 6ºC at average

altitudinal areas to 1ºC at high altitudinal areas in the

surrounding mountains. A much lower temp. is experienced in the

wake of western disturbances during winter. These temperatures

provide a conducive platform for the farmers of the valley to go for

Vegetable seed production of Cole crops. The department will be

helping the farmers to take up this venture for export purposes

with following incentives:

a. Providing Quality Foundation Seed on subsidised rates

b. Providing Poly green Houses

c. Providing Vermi compost units

d. Processing and Branding

e. Providing Market Linkage

Funds to the tune of Rs : 10.00 Crores are required on this

account.

14. Promotion of Cottage Industries ; The valley of Kashmir

state has a varied availability of flora and is home for four species

of honey bees, the native species Apiscerana, Apis flora, Apis

dorsata and exotic species Apis mellifera. Kashmir with huge

varietal flora has a great export which needs to be explored for

sustainable growth .Kashmir is endowed with immense natural

treasures in terms of forests which are replete bee flora ranging

from Trees, Hedges, Flowers and a variety of medicinal plants like

Verinocia species, Salix, Caprea, Terascicium, officinalis, Robinia

(kaker), aesulesspp., Ailenthus spp., Castanea spp., Cannabis

Sativa, Plectranthus, Rugossus, Crocus sativus and a host of other

herbs. Keeping in view the huge resources and great potential for

exporting honey to the rest of India. Honey produced in Kashmir

valley is considered among the best honey in the world. Various

27

steps including Bee keeping equipment like bee queen entrance

guards, queen excluders, honey extractors, and hive tools of

standard quality are being supplied to bee keepers by the

department at subsidized rates. Furthermore enhanced pollination

by way of these honey bees has augmented the yield of fruits

especially apple .

Department of Agriculture has already embarked on this

mission by starting a Cluster based approach in Kupwara wherein

different incentives are being provided to the farmers. Similarly a

honey processing unit is being established in each district to

facilitate the farmers for processing their crude honey. The total

initial expenditure involved in establishment of 100 Bee Colonies

& yearly returns thereof are discussed as under :

1. Cost of 100 Bee Colonies = Rs 200000.00

2. Cost of 100 Bee Hives = Rs 200000.00

3. Cost Of Medicines = Rs 5000.00

4. Cost of Equipments = Rs 20000.00

Model Cost Benefit Analysis of 100 Bee Colonies

1 Production of Honey @ 10Kgs/Colony/year 10 Qtls.

2 Value of honey @ Rs.20000/- per Qtl Rs 2.00 Lacs

3 Production of Bee Wax @1Kgm/Qtl of Honey 1 Qtls

4 Value of Bee Wax @ Rs.40000/- per Qtl Rs 0.40 Lacs

5 Total Income Rs 2.40 Lacs

2nd year

1 Multiplication of bee colonies (30%)of the Ist year 30

2 Total no of bee colonies at the end of Second Year 130

3 Honey Production @10 Kg/colony 13 Qtls.

4 Value of honey @ Rs.20000/- per Qtl Rs 2.60 Lacs

5 Production of Bees Wax @1Kgm/Qtl of Honey 1.30 Qtls

6 Value of Bee Wax @ Rs.40000/- per Qtl Rs 0.42 Lacs

7 Total income Rs 3.02 Lacs

3rd year

I Multiplication of bee colonies (30%)of the IInd year 40

iii Total no of bee colonies at the end of 2018-19 170

Iv Honey Production @10 Kg/colony 17 Qtls.

V Value of honey @ Rs.20000/- per Qtl Rs 3.40 Lacs

Vi Production of Bees Wax @1Kgm/Qtl of Honey 1.70 Qtls

vii Value of Bee Wax @ Rs.40000/- per Qtl Rs 0.68 Lacs

viii Total income Rs 4.08 Lacs

28

Total returns

Ist year Rs 2.40 Lacs

IInd Year Rs 3.02 Lacs

IIIrd Year Rs 4.08 Lacs

Grand Total Rs : 9.50 Lacs

Likewise Conducive Agro climatic conditions (Temperature/

RH range 10 to 30 C /65 to 70%) coupled with available local

resources provide an excellent opportunity for taking up

Mushroom cultivation as a cottage industry in the valley. The

department has already established an Integrated Mushroom

Center at Lalmandi which is providing Pasteurized compost to the

mushroom growers which is a key component in Mushroom

Cultivation. To give a further boost to this industry the department

is planning to set up such integrated centers across all districts of

the valley.

The economics of establishing a unit of 100 Mushroom Trays

is given as under:

A. Capital cost / fixed cost.

i)Cost of implements/ machinery Rs. 0.50 Lacs

Total Rs 0.50 Lacs

B-Recurring cost

i)Recurring cost for 300 poly bags (two seasons) /100Trays Rs. 0.55Lacs

Total Rs. 0.55Lacs

S.No Item Cost (Rs)

1 Cost of 20 Qtls. Of Paddy straw @ Rs 650 / Qtl. 13000.00

2 Cost of 08 Qtls. Of Poultry Litter @ Rs 200 / Qtl. 1600.00

3 Cost of 30 Kgs. Of Urea @ Rs 6 / Kg 180.00

4 Cost of 04 Kgs. Of DAP @ Rs 20 / Kg 80.00

5 Cost of 12 Kgs. Of MOP @ Rs 15 / Kg 180.00

6 Cost of 1 Qtl. Gysum @ Rs 1500 / Qtl. 1500.00

7 Cost of 12 Bags Peat @ Rs 500/Bag 6000.00

8 Cost of 50 Bottles Spawn @ Rs 20/ bottle 1000.00

9 Cost of Fumigant etc. 300.00

10 Cost of Crump Soil 8 Bags @ Rs 100/ Bag 800.00

11 Electicity Charges 1000.00

12 Miscellaneous charges 1000.00

Total Cost of production of 100 Trays/season 26640.00

29

C-Depreciation on Fixed costs @ 3% Rs. 0.05Lacs

D- Returns

i) Sale of Mushrooms 1.5Kgs/bag /season @Rs 150/Kg Rs1.35 Lacs

i) Sale of manure 20 Qtls.@ Rs 200/Qtl /season Rs 0.08 Lacs

Total Rs 1.43Lacs

Net Profit = D-(B+C) = Rs.1.43-(0.55+0.05) = Rs 0.83Lacs

C B RATIO =1:2.38

S.No Activity

5. Promotion of Cottage Industries like Mushroom and

Apiculture (Bee Rearing) will diversify the farming and

result in additional income to farmers.

Average Gain to Farmer with 20 Bee Colonies/Mushroom Trays due to

this Intervention = Rs :50000

Farmers will be encouraged to have either 50 Mushroom

trays unit or 20 Colonies Bee unit which will have an impactful

gain with respect to his annual income.Net gains due these cottage

industries to a farmer will be Rs:50000-60000/farmer. The action

plan under this component will be as:

No. of Bee Colonies (20 Colonies/hives per unit) = 15000 Units

No. of Mushroom units of 100 Trays = 21000 Units

A sum of Rs;123.00 Crores will be required to accomplish

the goals as set above.

15.Promotion of Vegetable Cultivation :

Vegetable sector has been identified as the key priority sector

for doubling the farmer’s income. Kashmir has the unique

distinction in the country to have a vegetable production season

when it is an off season for rest of the country, thus provides an

unique opportunity for the farmers to hike their earnings by

stepping into vegetable cultivation. Steps need to be taken to

encourage the farmers to go for area expansion under vegetables.

15.1 Area Expansion : The average net income per hectare under vegetables in

Kashmir is Rs:6-7 Lacs/ha. as against Rs:70-80000/ha. in case

of pulses. The department of Agriculture is persuading the farmers

30

to go for conversion of area under pulse (19880 Hectares) to

Vegetable due to its useful gains over a period of 3 years. Vegetable

cultivation in Kashmir Division needs to be transformed into an

export oriented venture as the valley has the potential to export

vegetables to rest of the country due to its typical seasonal

advantage. Further post- harvest processing of fresh vegetable will

lead to creation of employment opportunities for the unemployed

educated youth in Kashmir Division .Availability of Vegetables in

Kashmir is as below:

The role of Agriculture department in promotion of Vegetable

sector in Kashmir Division will include :

i)Use of hybrid seed for harvesting higher vegetable production/productivity

ii)Promotion of vegetable cultivation by providing necessary technical know- how

iii)Creation of necessary infrastructure like Refrigerated vans, pack houses etc.

iv)Provide help by forming FPO’s for creating market chain.

S.No

Crop Availability Period

Beginning Peak End

1 Brinjal July August Mid Sept.

2 Cabbage April-May

Sept.-Oct.

May

Sept.

-

3 Cauliflower April-May

Sept.-Oct. . July - Nov.

July, Nov.-

Dec.

4 Tomato July August Mid Sept.

5 Beet Root June Aug.-Sept. October

6 Potato June August November

7 Bitter Gourd August September October

8 Bottle Gourd August September October

9 Cucumber June Tomato October

10 Beans Green June Beet Root November

11 Capsicum June August October

12 Knolkhol June - October July - Nov. October

13 Radish March- October October December

14 Saag All Round the Year

15 Chillies June August October

16 Pumpkin September October November

17 Bhindi August September September

18 Broad beans May June August

19 Peas (Green) May June April-June

20 Onion April June July

21 Water Melon September October November

22 Fenugreek May August July

23 Carrot October November December

24 Spinach All Round Year

25 Turnip All Round Year

26 Musk Melon July August September

27 Garlic May June July

31

Requirements to accomplish this goal will be as under :

1. Providing of Hybrid Vegetable Seeds on 50% subsidy = 4500 Kgs

2. Providing Poly Green Houses on subsidy = 27000 No’s

3. Establishment of Vermi compost Units = 6000 No’s

4. Establishment of Pack Houses = 1200 No’s

5. Providing Motorized Vending Carts for

easy access to Local Markets = 12000 No’s

6. Provision of Refrigerated Vans for transportation of

Produce to National Markets =100 No’s

7. Formation of FPO,s to avoid Intermediaries = 100 No,s

8. Processing & Value Addition Units for Utilization of Surplus Produce= 100

No’s

16. Promotion of Aromatic Plants :

Kashmir is akin to a large number of aromatic plants which

includes Lavendar, Rosemarry, Bulgarian Rose etc.,Lavendar being

the most popular. Lavender is an aromatic flowering plant cultivated

extensively across temperate regions for ornamental use or as a

culinary herb. The coveted oil extracted from it is used in cosmetic

industries. True Lavender oil distilled from the flowering spikes is

the best oil of high aroma value and has a commanding position

in varied biotechnological applications The Lavendar plant is a

draught resistant crop that can be grown on the rocky terrain and

wastelands and therefore require considerably less irrigation – a

redeeming feature that makes it immensely as a great tool to be a

contributory factor for doubling farmers income. Lavender in

Kashmir can be the only crop that can hold monopoly over

cultivation of other crops and be a boon to the farming community

to rise from traditional methods of extensive farming practices to

intensive mode of farming that require least input in the form of

labour, fertilizers and capital relative to the land area being

farmed. Also, there is worldwide slogan to use lavender and rose

products based on organic and biodynamic methods. Organically

certified lavender and rose products fetch higher price in the

international markets. Furthermore Lavender processing gives

multiple end products that has various commercial applications,

thus increasing the market value of this crop and the wealth that

can be generated through its cultivation and processing. A large

32

chunk of wastelands and karewas can be successfully utilized for

this purpose. It will open new opportunity for the farmers and

unemployed youth for the production of aromatic oils, perfumes,

insecticide-repellents, aromatherapy, food supplements and

nutraceuticals industry. A farmer is expected to get 2 litres of oil

per kanal thus a return of Rs:20000.00 per Kanal. Department of

Agriculture through cultivation, processing, value addition and

marketing of aromatic plants plans to provide farmers and other

aspiring entrepreneurs with incentives for its cultivation and

processing and the required technical knowhow for maintaining its

quality.

1. Providing saplings and other necessary inputs to farmers

2. Conducting seminars and flower shows-cum-Kissan mela

to spread awareness.

3. Providing Distillation Plants for Oil Extraction.

4. Help in exploration of markets and e-trading facility.

An area of 500 ha. is planned to be brought under Lavendar

cultivation and funds required on this account will be Rs 16.00

Crores.

17. Promotion of Perennial Grasses to overcome Shortage of

Foddder:

An area of 29.37 Th.hectares is presently under various

fodder crops viz. Oats, Berseem, Red clover etc in Kashmir.

However the present area is not able to cater to the demands of the

growing bovine population and as a result farmer has to spend a

fair amount of his income on purchase of fodder from the market.

Therefore grasses like Lollium, Timothi and Tall Fescue need to be

promoted to the advantage of the farmers. An area of 500 hectares

will be covered under this scheme with a budgetary requirement of

Rs:5.00Crores. .

18.Technology Transfer Through Trainings & Exposure Visits :

The slogan of doubling farmers income would remain a dream

till the latest technology developed in Lab. is not dovetailed to

farmers. The problem is further compounded by the fact that these

33

days there is hardly any knowledge transfer through traditional

modes. Gone are the days when kids used to spend time with their

parents in the fields to learn how sowing is done, how harvesting

is done etc. Furthermore there is no exposure to the new systems

being used and getting skilled is becoming more important and

critical. Resultantly the reduction in yield due to handling by

unskilled labour is up to the extent of 20% . Thus educating youth

in farming practices is a challenge. One of the ways to make it

aspirational, particularly for rural youth is to blend it with

technology. The youth can also explore entrepreneurship as not all

the people can be absorbed in govt.jobs.

Thus, arranging training and exposure visits for farmers

becomes an inseparable part of the strategy to double the farmers

income. A total amount of Rs:6.00 Crores will be required for

conducting various training programmes and exposure visits.

34

Details of Funds Requirement to accomplish the Goal of Doubling

Farmer’s Income by 2022

S.

No

Name of Intervention

Funds Requirement (In Crores)

Total

Scheme

Under

which

Required 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22

1 Market Driven Agri. Policy 1.00 1.00 0.00 2.00 CAPEX

2 Enhancing Production and

Productivity 28.56 21.42 21.42 71.40 NFSM

3 Exploration of Markets through

Formation of FIG & FPO,s etc. 14.00 10.00 10.00 34.00 RKVY

4 Shift Approach from Commodity

Based Approach to Product Based

Approach, Branding, Value

Addition etc.

7.10

5.00

5.00

17.10 RKVY

5 Niche Crop Production 3.00 1.00 1.00 5.00 RKVY

6 Storage Facilities for Agri. Produce 14.10 10.10 10.00 34.20 SVP

7 Virus Free Potato Seed Production 7.00 2.00 1.00 10.00 MIDH

8 Area Expansion of Potato to Foot

Hills 15.00 10.00 10.00 35.00 MIDH

9 Brand Promotion of Agri. Produce 20.00 20.00 10.00 50.00 RKVY

10 Providing Assured Irrigation

Facilities 370.68 300.00 256.02 926.70 PMKSY

11 Farm Mechanization 95.58 73.00 70.37 238.95 SMAM

12 Promotion of High Value Exotic/

Organic Vegetables 8.00 6.00 6.00 20.00 MIDH

13 Promotion of Vegetable Seed Prod. 4.00 3.00 3.00 10.00 MIDH

14 Promotion of Cottage Industries 43.00 40.00 40.00 123.00 MIDH

15 Area Expansion under Vegetables 77.00 50.00 50.00 177.00 MIDH

16 Promotion of Aromatic Plants 8.00 5.00 3.00 16.00 MIDH

17 Promotion of Perennial Grasses 2.00 2.00 1.00 5.00 RKVY

18 Training & Skill Development 2.00 2.00 2.00 6.00 NMAET

TOTAL 720.02 561.52 499.81 1781.35